The first pick will be Maclin

[massraider]

True Dat but I think a rookie DT on our DL would make more of an immediate impact than a rookie wr in our offense. If we had a high powered offense like Denver or Indys than the reverse would be true.

I guess my logic is based on the fact that our DL has sucked for so many years and our inability to develop good young receivers.

I can see that argument. I would also be hoping that adding a Raji lights a fire under Warren and Sands.

My main concern with Raji is that rookie DTs, especially run-stufffers, seem to take a lot of time to develop. Whether it is gaining the tensile strength that can only come with age, or learning the trick of the trade that only comes with experience, I think it is rare for a rook to come in and demand double-teams. Maybe I am being short-sighted, but I want to stop the damn run NOW.

 

[Rupert]

True Dat but I think a rookie DT on our DL would make more of an immediate impact than a rookie wr in our offense. If we had a high powered offense like Denver or Indys than the reverse would be true.

I guess my logic is based on the fact that our DL has sucked for so many years and our inability to develop good young receivers.

Yeah, I don't think that a round 1 DT would have the biggest immediate impact. Even if Raji is a guy like Russell and can be that disruptive in the middle, we've still got a MLB who doesn't hit and shed blockers. Raji is more of a penetrator (from all accounts), and in the run game that puts Morrison EXACTLY where he's been the past couple season. That doesn't improve our DL for the run game, and it doesn't help our MLB to make tackles. (Caveat - I'm strictly looking at this "on paper" cuz that's the only way I can look at it.)

Absolutely right that we don't have an explosive offense, but that's a bit of a chicken and egg argument to bring up don't you think? We don't have explosive WR's, so we base our offense on the run game. If we had an explosive WR would we be more explosive? I think so. Hell, I know so. Is Maclin that guy? On paper he is. (BTW, I love the argument that Crabtree and Maclin are spread offense guys and won't translate that well to the NFL. LOL! So more reps at WR is a bad thing? More looks at breaking down a CB is a bad thing? 5WR is a bad thing because teams couldn't put their best cover guys on Crabtree and Maclin? LOL!)

Yeah, we're a run 1st team and probably will be for the foreseeable future, but we have a dynamic QB who can throw all the passes. We don't have a single dynamic WR to force defenses to respect him, so our young QB has to be that much more "perfect" when he passes. I think we need a guy who can help our young QB by taking some of the pressure off him. It wasn't Walker. It wasn't JLH or CS. Miller was a great security blanket and should continue to develop as a threat, but he's not really in the mold of a Gates or Gonzales or Sharpe.

I think we owe it to our QB to get him a dynamic WR to GROW with.

 

[Chris_77]

I must have missed something because I can't figure out how people are so sure that Al's locked into Maclin. Is it the speed thing? If so, DHB fits his "profile" more than Maclin IMO. I still think we'll end up targeting an OT or DE.

 

[Rupert]

I must have missed something because I can't figure out how people are so sure that Al's locked into Maclin. Is it the speed thing? If so, DHB fits his "profile" more than Maclin IMO. I still think we'll end up targeting an OT or DE.

You didn't miss anything, we're just arguing the Maclin idea.

 

[Chris_77]

You didn't miss anything, we're just arguing the Maclin idea.

I realize that but it seems like some are trying to base their arguments on a verifed interest on Al's part. I'm just wondering if reports have actually surfaced to validate this. If it's assumptions... then OT fits the Raider M.O. moreso than a WR. Our last couple of 1st round picks have broken from the norm but I still have a hard time believing Al values a WR like Maclin this high.

 

[Crossbones]

I realize that but it seems like some are trying to base their arguments on a verifed interest on Al's part. I'm just wondering if reports have actually surfaced to validate this. If it's assumptions... then OT fits the Raider M.O. moreso than a WR. Our last couple of 1st round picks have broken from the norm but I still have a hard time believing Al values a WR like Maclin this high.

I'm with you gst8.

Al's MO over the years has centered around the OL and the corner postion. The dominate offensive line is what made this franchise great IMO. Al has been trying to get that back but it's alluded him. Gallery didn't work out exactrly as planned although he's playing now at a high level at guard.

The idea that we've brought so many offensive linemen in doesn't rule out or perclude a guy like Andre Smith. Dude is a beast (floppy tits and all). Again, four months ago some were touting Smith as a potential #1 pick...now he's chopped liver. OK...whatever. If Al Davis sees the potential to fix this OL once and for all he'll do it from what I've seen from the guy the last 45 years. And Smith would represent big value at #7.

QB :check:
Running Backs(s) :check:
Corners :check:

OL - unsettled
WR unsettled

Which would be more likely to help us score enough? I'd say giving the QB protection and some options instead of running for his life trying to find Maclin streaking down the sideline.

 

[Armyr8rfan]

I'm with you gst8.

Al's MO over the years has centered around the OL and the corner postion. The dominate offensive line is what made this franchise great IMO. Al has been trying to get that back but it's alluded him. Gallery didn't work out exactrly as planned although he's playing now at a high level at guard.

The idea that we've brought so many offensive linemen in doesn't rule out or perclude a guy like Andre Smith. Dude is a beast (floppy tits and all). Again, four months ago some were touting Smith as a potential #1 pick...now he's chopped liver. OK...whatever. If Al Davis sees the potential to fix this OL once and for all he'll do it from what I've seen from the guy the last 45 years. And Smith would represent big value at #7.

QB :check:
Running Backs(s) :check:
Corners :check:

OL - unsettled
WR unsettled

Which would be more likely to help us score enough? I'd say giving the QB protection and some options instead of running for his life trying to find Maclin streaking down the sideline.

Agree, but, if Al/Cable believe Barnes can be a more than effective RT, and are confident Mario's late season heroics against top-notch competition was no fluke, then a WR makes more sense. I'm not worried about who will produce next year, this team is young all over the place, except at DL, and adding a WR to a young QB,RB's, TE, and an overall young/talented line, may be the way to go. But, you gotta believe AL is looking at next years class, as are we, WR's, DT's and S's atop next years crop are more freakinsh than this year. De class will probably be better as well, so maybe he does take a T. Andre Smith was the most dominant OL I saw last year. But he's not exactly ZBS material. That will play into things.......at this point, who the hell knows, I'm sure we can both agree we're just ready to get this draft over with and start looking faorward to the upcoming season.

 

[Chris_77]

Agree, but, if Al/Cable believe Barnes can be a more than effective RT, and are confident Mario's late season heroics against top-notch competition was no fluke, then a WR makes more sense. I'm not worried about who will produce next year, this team is young all over the place, except at DL, and adding a WR to a young QB,RB's, TE, and an overall young/talented line, may be the way to go. But, you gotta believe AL is looking at next years class, as are we, WR's, DT's and S's atop next years crop are more freakinsh than this year. De class will probably be better as well, so maybe he does take a T. Andre Smith was the most dominant OL I saw last year. But he's not exactly ZBS material. That will play into things.......at this point, who the hell knows, I'm sure we can both agree we're just ready to get this draft over with and start looking faorward to the upcoming season.

I don't think scheme will deter Al from going after a guy like Andre Smith.

Especially if the scheme in question isn't exactly "Al certified".

 

[Byron2112]

I don't get the argument where we're in desperate need of an "explosive" WR?

I think Higgins has proven to be plenty explosive and Shillens has the tools, but both are lacking experience... they've only started a couple/few games apiece.

We need another viable receiver for sure, but IMO other than more explosion or pure speed, what we need is a polished set of hands, someone that knows where to be and when to be there, and someone who can be reliably counted on to do that consistently and catch the ball.

I prefer Crabtree if we have to go WR at #7, but I think we can do pretty well in the 2nd/3rd round too if we feel we have to address that need in this years draft.

 

[Rupert]

I don't get the argument where we're in desperate need of an "explosive" WR?

I prefer Crabtree if we have to go WR at #7, but I think we can do pretty well in the 2nd/3rd round too if we feel we have to address that need in this years draft.

Maybe you weren't referring to me, but I said "dynamic" which I think Crabtree is. And I too like him better than Maclin because I think he's more dynamic.

A bunch of the other WRs people are talking up about taking later in this draft are in the JLH and Schilens camp. They've got the tools to be solid WR's, I just don't think they fit the dynamic mold.

 

[massraider]

but I still have a hard time believing Al values a WR like Maclin this high.

Maclin is underrated round here.

 

[Byron2112]

Maybe you weren't referring to me, but I said "dynamic" which I think Crabtree is. And I too like him better than Maclin because I think he's more dynamic.

Oh, you mean dynamic... like Bone's hair piece?



I do like that Crabtree says he patterns his game after Michael Irvin, that's just the type of WR we need.

 

[Armyr8rfan]

I don't think scheme will deter Al from going after a guy like Andre Smith.

Especially if the scheme in question isn't exactly "Al certified".

He has the feet to play in the ZBS, but he'll need to shed a little weight. Honestly, if he is taken, I see him starting the year at RG, against Jamaal Williams on MNF. Smith is the best in line run blocker i've seen. Better than Jake Long. Then he'll get looks at both T spots. I honesty think Mario is the answer at LT, and if Barnes falters, or plays well and leaves, at RT, Smith would plug right in at RT in year 2. I think Al has Crabtree, Smith, Raji, then Maclin atop his board of players that shoul be available. I have no problem w/ Maclin if MC, AS, and Raji are all gone.

 

[Chris_77]

Maclin is underrated round here.

I don't have an opinion on Maclin.

Maclin... Crabtree... Raji... it doesn't matter.

I always feel like whoever we draft is going to bust anyway.

The only "sure thing" in my book is Andre Smith.

 

[007]

And the irony in that, is that Andre could be the biggest question mark of them all. (And I like Andre, but I see the red flags all over the pick)

I'm starting to warm on Maclin for sure. I've done a ton of research on him in recent days, as I think he will essentially be a Raider after this weekend.

Reasons why I would be OK with Jeremy Maclin in Oakland.

*Fills a huge need on the team, and is still learning the position. A massive amount of upside.

*Explosive in the open field, and dangerous after the catch

* Versatile. He did catch a ton of screens and short passes in Missouri, but he's also gone deep and made plays in the intermediate part of the field

* Soft, reliable hands

*no major character or injury issues and I havent heard any drug or police related issues

*Elite burst. I hear people questioning Crab's seperation ability, but nobody questions Maclins. His acceleration is already among the best in football, at any level. He reminds me of Joey Galloway with his burst and quickness.

Overall, he isnt my first or even second choice, but we could do A LOT worse than bringing in a player of his caliber to help groom around Russell. I think if we take him, we might want to also bring in a veteran slot guy like Mike Furrey in order to teach him the intimate aspects of the position.

 

[Chris_77]

And the irony in that, is that Andre could be the biggest question mark of them all. (And I like Andre, but I see the red flags all over the pick)

I'm starting to warm on Maclin for sure. I've done a ton of research on him in recent days, as I think he will essentially be a Raider after this weekend.

I don't really buy into all the negative press Smith has received over the last couple of months. He's made misteps for sure... but nothing I'd consider a deal breaker. Other than that, Smith seems to me the most dominant at his position than any other player in the draft. I'm not much of an "X's & O's" guy so my opinion and $3.80 will get you a latte at Starbucks. Besides, Kiper will probably change my mind three times by Saturday.

 

[007]

Smith is a pick I'd be fine with taking a chance on, but lets not kid ourselves...

He's as big a risk as anyone in the top ten, although the reward could be the biggest.

You break it right down and he's got a soft and overweight body, his technique is'nt elite level yet, I question his true NFL position, he's been had some off field issues and I question his motor and conditioning too...

Nobody is perfect, but its not like you can sit here and rag on Maclin, and then call Andre Smith bulletproof. His maturity in dealing with agents and the post season would be a cause for concern even if you had no worries about him on the field.

 

[Crossbones]

Good post 007.

I've heard Maclin in a couple of interview. Humble. Passionate. Hard worker. I guess it wouldn't be the worst pick in the world but I have a hard time seeing Al taking a receiver at 7. Funny I say that because I have no problem seeing him taking Crabtree at seven. D'oh. But then he took a safety at seven and I thought he was done picking safeties in the first round. Don't know. Tough call this year. A receiver is clearly a need. I'm just a "fix the OL" guy right now and really want Andre Smith. Cincinnati could end that pipe dream at 6 though. And in the end I think Al will want to stack that OL if Smith is there and get back to Raiders football the AL Davis way.

Wait, Al never took a QB high in the first round. NEVER. JaDummy says "hi" Bones.

Good day.

 

[Armyr8rfan]

And the irony in that, is that Andre could be the biggest question mark of them all. (And I like Andre, but I see the red flags all over the pick)

I'm starting to warm on Maclin for sure. I've done a ton of research on him in recent days, as I think he will essentially be a Raider after this weekend.

Reasons why I would be OK with Jeremy Maclin in Oakland.

*Fills a huge need on the team, and is still learning the position. A massive amount of upside.

*Explosive in the open field, and dangerous after the catch

* Versatile. He did catch a ton of screens and short passes in Missouri, but he's also gone deep and made plays in the intermediate part of the field

* Soft, reliable hands

*no major character or injury issues and I havent heard any drug or police related issues

*Elite burst. I hear people questioning Crab's seperation ability, but nobody questions Maclins. His acceleration is already among the best in football, at any level. He reminds me of Joey Galloway with his burst and quickness.

Overall, he isnt my first or even second choice, but we could do A LOT worse than bringing in a player of his caliber to help groom around Russell. I think if we take him, we might want to also bring in a veteran slot guy like Mike Furrey in order to teach him the intimate aspects of the position.

Led NCAA last two years in all purpose yards, you can't fake return yards, thats not "gimmicky". By all accounts is a good kid, was second in the nation with third down catches, displaying VERY good hands. SN says his best two routes are a go, and the deep post. You take those two routes, the ability to make it happen on third down, display the first or second best "burst", (Harvin), in the draft, with the ability to be a PB return guy out of the box, and have no character issues, it makes too much sense. Higgins is not starting material, he can play outside in spurts, and is dangerous from the slot, Chaz looks like a nice possesion guy, we need a guy with Tim Brown's skill set. The ability to help in the return game, dangerous RAC guy, guy with the ability to get deep, or convert those tough third downs. And I think Al believes Maclin is that guy. Tim never really had a great QB to grow with, he had Hoss for a couple years, George did ok, then Gannon for a few. Al wants to pair what he thinks is a great QB, with a great reciver. Adding Maclin to what we have already on O, and suddenly we have alot of "wonderful toys" on offense, all in their low 20's. Should be pretty damn exciting for the next 7-10 years 'round here.

 

[Chris_77]

Smith is a pick I'd be fine with taking a chance on, but lets not kid ourselves...

He's as big a risk as anyone in the top ten, although the reward could be the biggest.

You break it right down and he's got a soft and overweight body, his technique is'nt elite level yet, I question his true NFL position, he's been had some off field issues and I question his motor and conditioning too...

Nobody is perfect, but its not like you can sit here and rag on Maclin, and then call Andre Smith bulletproof. His maturity in dealing with agents and the post season would be a cause for concern even if you had no worries about him on the field.

I'm not ragging on Maclin at all... I'll root for him just as hard as anyone should we take him on Saturday. I was just offering my perspective that I don't think he's really an Al Davis type pick. Like I said though... what do I know.

Truth be told... I get less excited for the draft every year. The guys I thought were going to be studs in March look like duds in April and vice versa. That and the fact that most of these guys never seem to live up the hype has taken away the luster for me.